Priestley's intentions

Inspector Goole

Serves as Priestley’s mouthpiece for social responsibility, exposing the moral failings of the upper class and forcing the audience to reflect on their own complicity in social injustice.

Mr Birling

Embodies the self-serving capitalist mindset used to critique the greed and shortsightedness of the ruling class, particularly their resistance to progress and collective responsibility.

Mrs. Birling

Represents the institutionalized privilege and moral hypocrisy, showing how the upper class used charity as a performance rather than an act genuine compassion.

Sheila Birling

Acts as the audience’s moral compass and symbol of change, illustrating that the younger generation has the capacity to reject old values and embrace social responsibility.

Eric Birling

Reflects the corruption and recklessness of unchecked privilege, but also the potential for guilt, redemption and transformation, highlighting Priestley’s belief in generational change.

Gerald Croft

Represents the illusion of respectability showing how the upper class maintains power through charm and superficial morality while still upholding exploitative systems.

Eva Smith

The invisible victim of capitalism and patriarchy, used as a device to expose the consequences of individual selfishness and systemic oppression. Her fate reinforces the idea that society must take collective responsibility for the vulnerable.